Best Men's Colognes

Best Men's Colognes started back in 2013, as a way to share my learning experiences with the different fragrances that I've owned, as I dove head first into the hobby. Since then, that new hobby grew into a consistent passion, helping millions of readers along the way. I have personally test out and written reviews for well over 800 perfumes and colognes for both men and women. This is along with writing hundreds of other in-depth fragrance guides. You can also follow me on: YouTube, Instagram, and Tiktok!

Angel Men Pure Havane by Thierry Mugler

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It’s been a while since I’ve done a review of a Thierry Mugler cologne on the site. The last time being, B*Men, which I actually grew to enjoy quite a bit after my initial mixed reaction. I recently received another sample with one of my cologne orders, and it’s one of the flanker fragrances of the Angel Men (A*Men) series, Pure Havane.

While I’ve smelled this cologne before, I was wanting to give Pure Havane a longer try, and see exactly how it smells, performs, and whether or not it is worth a purchase. In this post, I will share my thoughts of my experience with this fragrance and try to flesh out a bit as to what this tobacco based juice is all about.

What Does Pure Havane Smell Like?

Notes include: tobacco leaves, honeyed tobacco, patchouli, and bitter cocoa

Click here to try: Thierry Mugler Eau de Toilette Spray, Angel Men Pure Havane, 3.4 Ounce

A*Men Pure Havane

The opening of Pure Havane is quite simple. Imagine a fine Cuban cigar dipped in honey and then rolled in a pile of sugar…that’s what this smells exactly like. It’s a very warm, sweet, and slightly sticky sort of smell that is actually quite beautiful and enthralling.

Although, it isn’t listed in the notes, I also detect a hint of vanilla which provides an extra creamy smoothness. Now, if this doesn’t sound like your kind of thing, look elsewhere. However, if you like rich and masculine scents, then Pure Havane is a masterpiece of fragrance.

The tobacco note in this is dominant but it is a rather different experience than something such as Burberry London, the tobacco in Pure Havane is a much lighter and sweeter smelling variety.

As it wears on, the honey note lessens and the vanilla scent gets pushed more into the foreground. Also, the cocoa note emerges and smells like a chocolate powder to me, it must be the way it blends with the honey and vanilla.

There’s a bit of earth spice here, from patchouli, but it mostly stays in the background. The dry down of Pure Havane is all about the rich tobacco and thick honey, with all of the other sweet notes, orbiting these two. Not too much development from this fragrance, but it’s very good in its contained style.

Sillage, Longevity, Versatility

Projection wise, A*Men Pure Havane is really good. It isn’t overwhelming, but it is on the strong side of things. It doesn’t require that many sprays to be effective, which is a relief with so many weak colognes out there.

The reach does decline during the wear, but the first hours are pretty potent.

It also has really good longevity, this is an all-day kind of scent. However, be aware that it is much more of a skin scent after 5-6 hours but with reasonable application it should still be noticeable.

Pure Havane is for cold weather. If you live in a climate that is hot year round, you probably shouldn’t bother with this at all. I fear it would become a complete mess in the heat, yet, it is so beautiful in the cold weather.

I would say you could wear this to pretty much whatever event you would want to and it seems perfectly acceptable for school and work. Plus, this is a sexy type of cologne. Great for dates or just wanting to get closer. Pure Havane is a very comfy sort of scent.

Overall Impression of Pure Havane

Overall, is Pure Havane a buy? Yep, while it’s limited to colder weather, it is still a fantastic scent and performer. This A*Men flanker is a layered gourmand fragrance with tobacco taking center stage in its profile.

Not everyone enjoys this kind of cologne, so if you’re more into fruity, dry woods, or aquatics then this probably isn’t going to be a good selection.

On the other hand, if you like sweet winter scents (that aren’t sickly sweet) and rich tobacco blends then Pure Havane is an excellent choice.

I think that the opening can be overwhelming or messy at times, but, this one does settle down and get better as it moves along. Not a super mature scent, but it can work well for guys through their 20s and 30s, with exceptions.

The A*Men line has produced some awesome colognes, over the years, and this is among the best.

Update: All of these ‘Pure’ fragrances got discontinued by Mugler.

J’adore in Joy by Christian Dior

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It’s been a while since I’ve done a ladies’ perfume review, for a Christian Dior scent, so why not start now? Today’s entry is a 2017 release, a flanker fragrance to the J’adore line called, J’adore in Joy. What does this scent smell like? How does it perform? Is this a worthy addition to the best-selling J’adore name?

What does J’adore in Joy Smell Like?

Notes include: peach, ylang-ylang, jasmine, fleur de sel, neroli, tuberose

Click here to try: Dior J’adore In Joy Eau De Toilette Spray for Women, 3.4 Ounce

My Full Review

Before we get into my thoughts on this perfume, let’s see what the brand has to say about it: A solar floral with a unique fruity and salty trail. Essence of ylang-ylang from Madagascar, transformed in Grasse, and jasmine sambac are brightened with a refreshing Fleur de Sel note and bursting with juicy peach.

J’adore in Joy opens up with a salt note that gets paired with the ylang-ylang. The peach will be more prominent later on, but at first I get a salty flower blend with an underlying fruity sweetness.

It’s a rather unique aroma, that I haven’t really come across before in a perfume. Yes, I’ve had other salty fragrance, but those were oceanic in their character. This Dior perfume, is not that at all.

A few minute in, the floral combination is of jasmine and ylang-ylang, still salty. These notes together, give off a scent that is similar to a musk. However, the peach is growing in strength, but never comes across like you’d usually associate this ingredient.

J’adore in Joy has a cool, relaxed vibe, while also feeling like being in the sunshine. The fragrance is almost completely linear on my skin, but I still find it to be intriguing.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

It’s not too loud of a perfume. I can spray it on a shirt, put it about 3-5 feet away, and detect it. Outside of that, it’s won’t make it past that after 30 minutes or so. Not a bad thing, just don’t expect a complete beast with this one.

The longevity is also solid. I could get 6-8 hours from this one. Not spectacular, but worthwhile for this sort of fragrance.

Seasonally, I guess it’s better in warmer weather, but it doesn’t feel out of place in the winter. I feel like this one should be worn outdoors, or it at least, puts out that vibe.

However, you could obviously wear this to the office, semi-formally to formal, or just around casually. It is an elegant perfume, just not a stuffy one. Clean and refined, not a party time fragrance.

Overall Impression of J’adore In Joy

Do I like this perfume? Somewhat. I’m not crazy about it, but it does get points for being interesting, and not smelling bad.

The salt note is a nice addition, to a usual formula. With the floral notes, it can come across like musk, but I do get a distinct saltiness. Ylang-ylang, jasmine, peach, and salt. If that sounds nice, this will be something that you’ll want to try.

Personally, I don’t find it to be great. Overall, it is a good perfume. Pleasant enough and well put together.

Decadence Eau So Decadent by Marc Jacobs

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Moving right along through my most recent perfume samples, I have an entry from Marc Jacobs’ line of Decadence fragrances, Eau So Decadent. This flanker to the original has been out for a while now, but how does it actually smell? Is the performance any good? Is this scent worth a try?

What does Decadence Eau So Decadent Smell Like?

Notes include: lily of the valley, raspberry, black currant, pear, amber, magnolia, ivy, jasmine

Click here to try: Marc Jacobs Decadence Eau So Decadent L 3.4 EDT SPRNEW

My Full Review

Eau So Decadent kicks off with its fruit blend of notes, along with a light touch of jasmine and magnolia, underneath. The main ingredient here, is the pear, which gives its usual light juiciness to the composition.

Raspberry and black currant aren’t heavy additions to the mix, but they do allow Eau So Decadent to have a sort of sour berry smell, for at least part of the time.

The next phase of this Marc Jacobs perfume for me, is more floral and greenish, yet still being under the control of the pear note. Ivy, magnolia, and to a lesser extent the jasmine, surround the pear note while the other fruits fade somewhat.

The biggest change comes with the lily of the valley, which amps up the floral/garden type of aroma. It comes across as being quite clean and attractive. It’s still sweet at this stage, but Eau So Decadent, is moving more away from that.

Finally, I am left with pear, lily, magnolia, and amber. The amber note really broke late, on my skin. Maybe I just couldn’t notice it underneath everything else, early on, but it really became a major player.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

The sillage here, is light to moderate. It will project itself out from the skin about 4-5 feet, for a few hours, and then be more of a skin scent. This isn’t a huge or ‘fill up the room’ type of perfume, more of a light and clean, daily wear.

How long does it last? In the 6-8 hour range. The end of that range, it will be an airy skin scent. Very solid performance, but not elite, by any stretch.

This one will be a go-to in the spring and summer months. Pretty much moderate to warmer climates. It would feel out of place in the winter, but I don’t see why you couldn’t wear it, otherwise.

When should this be worn? This is a daily wear. It is safe for the office, casual, or even more formal events. It’s an attractive scent, but doesn’t have that nightlife vibe, or as a date night sort of perfume.

Overall Impression of Decadence Eau So Decadent

Do I like Decadence Eau So Decadent, overall? I do. I think this could be a good option for those who want a safe and versatile bet, for daily wear. Also, those who enjoyed the original Decadence, will like this. This is a bit sweeter and fruitier

Is it a special fragrance? Not really, it’s a good scent, though. Eau So Decadent is an affordable option for women, who want a fruity floral, with a bit of style. Maybe stay away, if you’re not into pear or lily of the valley. I enjoy this for what it is, give it a try.

Mont Blanc Legend Night

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I’ve got a whole box full of samples to do write ups on and over 100 more posts in the works, so this site is going to be real active to close out this year. Today, I have a review of a Mont Blanc flanker fragrance: Legend Night. This cologne was released in 2017. How does it smell? Perform? Is it worth a buy? Please continue below for my full take after wearing it around.

What does Montblanc Legend Night Smell Like?

Notes include: candied apple, cedar, vanilla, cardamom, vetiver, sage, mint, bergamot, fir, lavender, violet, patchouli, and musk

Click here to try: MONTBLANC Legend Night Eau De Parfum, 1 fl. oz.

My Full Review

Here is how Legend Night is described by the insert that came with the sample vial:

Montblanc Legend Night is the incarnation of seduction. This new, woody and sensual Eau de Parfum embodies a mysterious, self-confident and iconic man. The note opens with a citrus freshness lifted by cool spices. Meanwhile the candied apple and cedarwood combination reveals an addictive, masculine heart. This is a strong, memorable and elegant signature where vetiver and woods meet black vanilla.

Is this accurate? Well, in so many words, pretty much. I don’t think I’d use the same level of descriptive adjectives, but I’m not trying to sell this to the masses like Mont Blanc.

It does indeed open with the bergamot citrus note being quite present. It isn’t dominant but is paired with the candied apple and mint to create something very nice. The opening few minutes is reminiscent of a more subdued version of Versace Eros. Ultimately, they are two different colognes, but there is a brief time of similarity.

I really dig the freshness of Legend Night. I think that the mint, sage, and cardamom trio provide a great spice to what might otherwise be another simple vanilla and apple based fragrance.

What’s interesting, now that I’ve worn this for a while. The opening act, can be pretty different, depending on the day and my skin chemistry. Sometimes, that apple and bergamot are very juicy, and it’s a sweet gem of a fragrance. With the vanilla and mint, it’s like a sweeter Versace Eros.

Other times, I spray this on, the cardamom and sage really come through. Honestly, it changes the character of the fragrance in that opening hour. I still really like it, but it doesn’t captivate me, in the same way. Much more woody, herbal, and spicy during these wears.

It has a certain warmth to it, but at the same time a breath of crispy coolness provided by the peppermint. It’s a very smooth and green spice, not like the spice of a hot pepper, or something similar.

As it dries down, the citrus is toned way down, and the herbal spices also take a backseat. This is the point at which the floral notes really come into their own. There is that familiar lavender calmness and a very noticeable violet note, as well.

I originally dismissed this, as being a pretty simple scent. Actually, it does have lots of depth and nuance to it. Just needed to spend more time with Legend Night.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Mont Blanc Legend Night is pretty moderate. With three sprays, it performed just fine on my skin, and never felt weak by any means. Though, it’s not an absolute monster in terms of the sillage.

Longevity is pretty decent, I got seven hours from it more or less.

Update: If I double spray both sides of my neck, the sillage and longevity get a great boost. That doesn’t always happen with fragrances, but this one will get a few more hours with this method.

It will perform best during the fall and winter but can withstand moderate heat fairly well. It’s low key enough to be worn casually or at work. However, as a night time scent, I do think it shines.

Again, it’s not a monster, but it is very sexy and seductive. This is a complement getter and will appeal to women, who are within your immediate orbit.

I actually first wore the sample of this, while in Las Vegas, and received numerous positive comments. Since I’ve gotten a full bottle for my own collection, it still grabs attention, especially early on in the wear.

Overall Impression of Legend Night

Overall, do I like Legend Night? Yes, I actually like it a whole lot. I wasn’t expecting it to be this good, but it’s so fresh and well put together that I can’t help but want to wear this fragrance.

Update: I originally wrote this review, using only the sample vial. The more that I used it, the more I liked wearing this fragrance. As such, I bought a full bottle shortly thereafter.

Update 2: I wore this off an on for a few years. Now, I don’t wear what’s left of the bottle too often. Still like it, but it’s less interesting to me nowadays. Worth a try still, though.

Legend Night quickly became one of my favorite sweet autumn/winter wears and one that I keep coming back to.

It’s not a highly unique scent and it does smell like it was pieced together from other popular colognes, but so what? If one can get a bottle of this at a good price, I’d consider Legend Night to be a steal. Judging by the lower prices I’ve seen around, it’s basically becoming just that.

Oud Wood by Tom Ford

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Continuing on into the depths of my Tom Ford fragrance reviews, we have another entry from the Private Blend line: Oud Wood. This is one of the more popular options in this collection, but does it actually live up to the hype? What does it smell like? Does it perform well?

What does Oud Wood by Tom Ford Smell Like?

Notes include: rosewood, sandalwood, oud, vanilla, tonka bean, amber, cardamom, and vetiver

Click here to try: Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Wood Eau De Parfum Spray – 50ml/1.7oz

My Full Review

Oud is one of those ingredients that seems to have a lot of fans in the fragrance world, but one that isn’t super appealing to my nose. Yes, in certain cases, when it’s a part of a well blended mix, I enjoy its presence but not when it’s leading the way.

With Oud Wood by Tom Ford, I get an opening of the oud note, that is paired with cardamom and a peppery spice. Cardamom is a pretty big player in the early life of this fragrance and the other woody notes sort of take a backseat to it.

Sitting underneath the two main notes, is a distinct rosewood, some vanilla sweetness, and the familiar scent of sandalwood. After a few minutes of wear, I notice the vetiver poking through, as well. At this point Oud Wood, begins to be less spicy, and has a bit of a sour element within the composition.

Also at this point, the oud note, isn’t the main attraction. As the fragrance dries down, I get the other woodsy notes, vetiver, amber, a bit of sweetness, and the cardamom.

The oud is definitely still around, but is has more of a supporting role than the lead, which is good for me. Though, odd considering the name of the fragrance.

Sillage, Longevity, and Versatility

Projection wise, Oud Wood is light to moderate. Honestly, this version doesn’t have much sillage at all past the first hour or so. Coming into this, I would’ve thought that Oud Wood would be a complete bomb sort of scent…nope.

The longevity too, isn’t that great. I can get 4-5 hours on my skin, but after that, it’s gone. That’s a shame for something at this price point and considering how other Tom Ford scents hold up.

Seasonally, the woodiness reminds me of autumn, but also extending into wintertime. These notes aren’t built for the heat, however. I think that it’d turn gross, especially in the high humidity, so take that into account before buying.

It’s a men’s fragrance, even if it is listed as a unisex perfume. Quite masculine. Elegant and well rounded, Oud Wood should be worn on more dressed up occasions and not with jeans and a tee.

Overall Impressions of Oud Wood

Overall, do I like this Tom Ford fragrance? I do and I don’t. The performance isn’t good. I like how it smells at some points in the wear but then it also has a sour smell at times. The oud note, is actually not overwhelming in this one, so I enjoy that fact and the wood notes are great.

It is warm and has a rather unique aroma. Still, it’s not one for me, but is one that has a ton of admirers.

If it had better performance, I might give it the go ahead for a full recommendation, but I don’t think I can due to the cost. I enjoy the vetiver, tonka bean, and amber. They’re nice touches to the overall composition, but not enough to truly sell me on this one.